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AlOmar RS, AlHarbi AS, Abu Abdullah LA, Almuqbil SM, Albahrani ZS, Aldar HM, Alzouri FS, Al-Shiban MA, AlShamlan NA, Shafey MM, AlAbdulKader AM, Alotaibi NS. Intention and practice on personal preventive measures against COVID-19 among older adults in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: an epidemiological study using the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1315443. [PMID: 38155887 PMCID: PMC10752998 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1315443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Older adults aged 65 years and above are among the most vulnerable to adverse outcomes and death following a COVID-19 infection. The weekly epidemiological updates by the World Health Organisation show that the continued emergence of concerning subtypes of the virus indicates that the pandemic remains a public health concern and the public should continue to comply with personal preventive measures (PPMs). This study applies the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) which is rooted in the field of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Preventive Medicine to Saudi older adults to predict their health behaviour. Methods This behavioural epidemiological study recruited older adult participants aged 65 years of age and above. A tool which consisted of sociodemographic and health-related questions, as well as questions regarding the components of the TPB, namely, Attitude, Subjective Norm, Perceived Behavioural Control was used. Bivariate analyses, followed by unadjusted and adjusted multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to derive odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results The total number of participants was 502. The mean age was 70.34 years, with similar distributions between males and females. In total, 52.2% intended to practice PPMs, whereas only 48% had a good practice. Also, 56% had a favourable Attitude towards PPMs, 61.4% had a positive Subjective Norm and 39.8% had perceived they had a high control over their behaviour. Females, and high educational status were predictors for high intention to practice PPMs (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.01-2.52 and OR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.44-5.16 respectively). Further predictors included Attitudes, Subjective Norm and Perceived Behavioural Control. Results also show that intention to practice was significantly associated with a lower odd of practicing PPMs (OR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.04-0.10). Conclusion Current findings highlight the need to continue with public health efforts targeting vulnerable older adults. Also, the fact that intention negatively predicted practice highlights the need for further behavioural epidemiological studies addressing the intention-behaviour gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem S. AlOmar
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal S. AlHarbi
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Sarah M. Almuqbil
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zahra S. Albahrani
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hawra M. Aldar
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatimah S. Alzouri
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manar A. Al-Shiban
- College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf A. AlShamlan
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa M. Shafey
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Assim M. AlAbdulKader
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nijr S. Alotaibi
- National Program for Community Development – Tanmiah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Li Z, Li Z, Sun X. Exploration into the Influencing Factors for the Intention of the Public to Vaccinate against Infectious Diseases Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior-Example of the COVID-19 Vaccine. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1092. [PMID: 37376481 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was applied as an example, and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was used as a conceptual model. This study aimed to explore the impact of subjective norms (SNs), attitude towards the behavior (ATT), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) on the intention of the public for regular vaccination during COVID-19. The outcomes can provide certain recommendations for relevant policymakers in developing targeted health education intervention programs in the event of similar events. METHODS An online survey was performed between 17 April and 14 May 2021, via the online survey platform "WENJUANXING". The multistage stratified cluster sampling was employed, and 2098 participants (1114 males; 53.10%) with a mean age of 31.22 years (SD = 8.29) completed the survey. The survey covered the factors influencing the public's intention to receive future regular vaccinations during COVID-19 based on TPB. The effects of different variables on the public's vaccination intention were analyzed using hierarchical stepwise regression. RESULTS The public's intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., behavioral intention) in the future was taken as the dependent variable. Gender, age, marital status, education level, per capita monthly household income, vaccine-related knowledge, whether the COVID-19 vaccine was received, subjective norms (SNs), attitude towards the behavior (ATT), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) were used as independent variables. In this way, a hierarchical stepwise multiple regression model was developed. It can be seen from the final model that gender, age, vaccine-related knowledge, vaccination, attitude, SNs, and PBC were all influential factors in the public's intention to get vaccinated in the future, with R2 = 0.399 and adjusted R2 = 0.397 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION TPB explains the intention of the public to receive future vaccinations to a large extent, and ATT and SNs are the most important influencing factors. It is suggested that vaccine intervention programs be developed to enhance public awareness and acceptance of vaccination. This can be achieved in three aspects, namely, improving the ATT of the public, SNs, and PBC. Furthermore, the influence of gender, age, vaccine knowledge, and previous vaccination behavior on vaccination intention should be taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeming Li
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Zihan Li
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xinying Sun
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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Liu LS, Jia X, Zhu A, Ran GJ, Johnston D, Siegert R, Gong Y, French N, Lu J. Measuring the missing: Knowledge, risk perceptions and self-protection practices of COVID-19 among the Asian population in New Zealand: An online survey. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GESUNDHEITSWISSENSCHAFTEN = JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2023:1-18. [PMID: 37361274 PMCID: PMC10193356 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-023-01926-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Aim Asians are the second largest and fastest growing non-European population in New Zealand but are under-researched in terms of their COVID-19 pandemic response. The paper aims to illustrates Asians' risk perceptions and knowledge of COVID-19, and self-protection practices to avoid infection and prevent community transmission. Subject and methods An online survey was used to collect data and received 402 valid responses. Data analyses included: 1) a descriptive analysis by using Chi-square tests and a Kruskal-Wallis rank sum tests to explore associations between responses and the four demographic variables (i.e. age, gender, country of origin/ethnicity, and region); and 2) a correlation analysis between different survey objectives. Results The descriptive analysis of the survey found that while ethnicity (within the Asian category) was the most influential variable that resulted in varying responses to many questions, gender and age were other two important variables in influencing the answering patterns. The correlation analysis found a positive correlation between the perceived 'dangerousness' of COVID-19 and respondents' overall compliance behaviour to New Zealand authorities' recommendations to prevent spread of COVID-19. Conclusion The majority of the respondents provided correct answers to the questions about the vulnerable populations, symptoms, asymptomatic transmission and potential sequelae of COVID-19; however, their understanding of the availability of a cure for, and the incubation period of COVID-19 was not consistent with the official information. The research also found that the higher perceived dangerousness of COVID-19, the better compliance to self-protection practices among the surveyed population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangni Sally Liu
- School of Humanities, Media and Creative Communication, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Xiaoyun Jia
- Institute of Governance & School of Politics and Public Administration, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Andrew Zhu
- Trace Research Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Guanyu Jason Ran
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Johnston
- Joint Centre for Disaster Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Richard Siegert
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yuan Gong
- School of Humanities, Media and Creative Communication, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nigel French
- Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jun Lu
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Guo Y, Xiang H, Wang Y. Understanding self-protective behaviors during COVID-19 Pandemic: Integrating the theory of planned behavior and O-S-O-R model. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-13. [PMID: 36820199 PMCID: PMC9933017 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04352-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Adopting health preventive actions is one of the most effective ways to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the theory of planned behavior and the orientation-stimulus-orientation-response model, this study investigated the mechanisms by which health information exposure influenced individuals to adopt self-protective behaviors in the context of infectious disease. In this research, a convenience sampling was used and 2265 valid samples (Male = 843, 68.9% of participants aged range from 18 to 24) were collected in China. Structural equation modeling analysis was performed, and the analysis showed that health consciousness positively influenced the subsequent variables through interpersonal discussions and social media exposure to COVID-19-related information. The interaction between interpersonal discussion and social media exposure was found to be positively associated with the elements of the theory of planned behavior and risk perception. The findings also revealed that self-protective behavior was positively predicted by the components of the theory of planned behavior and risk perceptions, with subjective norms serving as the main predictor, followed by attitudes and self-efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Guo
- Present Address: Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China
| | - Hongzhe Xiang
- Present Address: Faculty of Humanities and Arts, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China
| | - Yuhan Wang
- Convergence Media Center, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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Validity and Reliability of the COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior Scale. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020317. [PMID: 36851195 PMCID: PMC9960202 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this research is to develop a scale that will evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of employees about COVID-19 and to test its validity and reliability. METHODOLOGY The methodological type of research was used between August-November 2020, under observation in organized industrial zones. Information was collected from a total of 543 employees. Confirmatory factor analysis and correlation analysis were performed for the value, item-total correlations and construct validity. SPSS 25.0 (IBM Inc., Armonk, NY, USA), Jasp 0.14 (University of Amsterdam) and Lisrel 9.1(Scientific Software International, Inc., Chapel Hill, NC, USA) programs were used in the analysis. RESULTS 83.1% of the participants in the study are male, the average age is 37.4 ± 8.0, 76.1% are married, and 49.4% are high school graduates. The Cronbach alpha value of the COVID-19 information part is 0.86 in total, the contamination information dimension is 0.71 and the protection information dimension is 0.84. The COVID-19 attitude section consists of four sub-dimensions and 13 items classified within the framework of the health belief model. In summary, the goodness of fit values for the knowledge, attitude and behavior sections, respectively, are: RMSEA values 0.05, 0.03 and 0.04; CFI values 0.98, 0.98 and 0.99; GFI values 0.97, 0.97 and 0.99. CONCLUSIONS It has been determined that the internal consistency of the COVID-19 knowledge, attitude and behavior scale conducted on employees is high and compatible, and its validity findings are sufficient. The scale is recommended as an applicable tool to measure COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes and behaviors.
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Reinhardt A, Weber W, Rossmann C. Drivers of young adults' voluntary compliance with COVID-19 protective measures: results from a multi-method study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2401. [PMID: 36544123 PMCID: PMC9768790 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14752-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the easing of governmental COVID-19 restrictions, promoting voluntary public compliance with protective measures becomes essential for the pandemic evolution. A highly relevant target group for such health promotion are adolescents and young adults since they showed a strong decline in compliance throughout the pandemic. Building on an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behavior, this article investigates drivers of young people's intentions to engage in voluntary COVID-19 measures in phases of re-opening. METHODS We conducted a sequential multi-method study among 14- to 29-year-olds in Germany: (1) a semi-standardized online survey (N = 88) to examine underlying beliefs and (2) a standardized online survey (N = 979) to identify influencing factors of compliance. The pre-study addressed the respondents' perceptions about wearing a mask, social distancing, and avoiding crowded locations (open-ended questions). Responses for all protective measures were aggregated to identify general behavioral, normative, and control beliefs about COVID-19 protective measures. In order to gain generalizable insights into the factors determining voluntary compliance intentions in younger adults, we conceptualized the model constructs in the subsequent standardized online survey as formative measures based on their underlying beliefs. PLS-SEM was used to examine the effects of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, risk perceptions, and knowledge on young people's intentions to comply (main study). Furthermore, a multi-group analysis was conducted to investigate differences between compliers and non-compliers. RESULTS The pre-study revealed that young people's instrumental attitudes not only cover reasons of protection but also aspects of self-presentation (e.g., being a role model). The main study showed that besides knowledge and perceived severity of illness, instrumental attitude is the strongest predictor of intention to comply. The influence is even stronger in the group of non-compliers. CONCLUSION This article highlights the importance of theory-based campaign planning and provides practical guidance to health communicators on how to increase voluntary compliance with COVID-19 protective measures in adolescents and young adults. The findings demonstrate the great potential of combining the Theory of Planned Behavior with risk perception and knowledge to gain deeper insights into the feelings and thoughts of younger target groups during a health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Reinhardt
- Department of Communication, University of Vienna, Waehringer Str. 29, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Winja Weber
- German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Constanze Rossmann
- Department of Media and Communication, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Oettingenstr. 67, 80538, Munich, Germany
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Li Z, Ji Y, Sun X. The impact of vaccine hesitation on the intentions to get COVID-19 vaccines: The use of the health belief model and the theory of planned behavior model. Front Public Health 2022; 10:882909. [PMID: 36311575 PMCID: PMC9615565 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.882909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Object During the later period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the public has been at risk of the evolving COVID-19 variants and hesitated to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to a certain extent. In this context, the health belief model (HBM) and the theory of planned behavior model (TPB) were used to compare and summarize the relationship between vaccine hesitation/non-hesitation and the intentions to get COVID-19 vaccines and its influencing factors. Methods The cross-sectional, population-based online survey was conducted from 14 April to 30 April 2021, and 1757 respondents were recruited to participate in the survey through the Wenjuanxing online survey platform. The HBM and TPB covariate scores were expressed using means and standard deviations and compared between groups using t-tests. Backward multiple linear regression models were used to explore the factors influencing the public's intentions to receive the COVID-19 vaccines. Results This study found that educational background is one of the factors influencing vaccine hesitation. Most people with high education do not hesitate (65.24%), while a more significant proportion of people with low education have vaccine hesitation (66.00%). According to HBM, for the vaccine hesitation group, self-efficacy, family advice, and doctor's advice were the most critical factors affecting the public's future vaccination intentions; for the vaccine non-hesitation group, self-efficacy, doctor's advice, and perceived benefits are the most important influencing factors. According to the TPB, the subjective norm is the most critical factor affecting the future vaccination intention of the vaccine hesitation group, and the attitude toward behavior is the most critical factor affecting the future vaccination intention of the vaccine non-hesitation group. Conclusions In the context of COVID-19, the public's hesitation on the "current" vaccines will still affect future vaccination intentions. Using HBM and TPB would help health policymakers and healthcare providers formulate intervention plans.
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Nour MO. Stay-at-home orders during COVID-19 pandemic: an experience from general population in Damietta Governorate, Egypt. J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2022; 97:18. [PMID: 36184725 PMCID: PMC9527093 DOI: 10.1186/s42506-022-00115-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt triggered national preparedness, public engagement, and an integrated response that included social distancing measures, for example, staying at home. We aimed to investigate community awareness of and commitment to complying with the stay-at-home orders in Damietta Governorate, Egypt, during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A web-based cross-sectional survey was designed and completed by 500 adult participants from Damietta, Egypt, between April 10 and July 15, 2020. Participants were asked about their sociodemographics, sources of knowledge about COVID-19, awareness of COVID-19 prevention methods, commitment to stay-at-home orders, and their trust in governmental measures, community resources, and emergency services. The participants were classified as stay-at-home responders or nonresponders. RESULTS Of the participants, 18.4% responded to stay-at-home orders; the main reasons for leaving home were buying essentials, especially food, and going to work. Compliance was significant among elderly individuals and those with a history of chronic illness. Nonresponse was significant among individuals who were married, working, or had low family income. More than one-third (39.2%) had good knowledge of effective methods of COVID-19 prevention, and the overall accepted knowledge was significantly higher among stay-at-home responders than nonresponders. Their trust in governmental measures, community resources, and emergency services to manage the pandemic was poor-84.6%, 71.8%, and 79%, respectively-with no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Participants' compliance with and engagement in stay-at-home orders in Damietta Governorate, Egypt, was poor. Public response to stay-at-home orders is affected by sociodemographics, and the public's trust in governmental measures, community resources, and emergency services was poor. Understanding how social distancing is perceived in Egypt is important to provide public support and improve pandemic disease containment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed O Nour
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt.
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Kim HK, Tandoc EC. Wear or Not to Wear a Mask? Recommendation Inconsistency, Government Trust and the Adoption of Protection Behaviors in Cross-Lagged TPB Models. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 37:833-841. [PMID: 33487034 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2020.1871170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study examined how exposure to government health advisories on face mask-wearing and trust in government influenced people's compliance with the advisory overtime. We conducted a three-wave panel survey (N = 1,024; T1 in February, T2 in March, T3 in April 2020) in Singapore, where the government initially enforced wearing a face mask conditional on feeling sick, and then later revised its advisory to make mask-wearing mandatory regardless of sickness. Exposure to the initial advisory at T1 had cross-lagged effects on forming positive expectancy, normative, and self-efficacy beliefs on conditional face mask-wearing at T2. Government trust at T1 also had a cross-lagged effect on increasing supportive perceived norm for conditional mask-wearing, while reducing positive expectancy of nonconditional mask-wearing at T2. Exposure to the revised advisory and government trust at T3 were positively associated with outcome expectancy, perceived norm, and self-efficacy regardless of behavior type. Regarding nonconditional mask-wearing, the autoregressive links from T2 to T3 were insignificant for perceived norm and self-efficacy and even negatively significant for intention and behavior. This study offers theoretical and practical insights by documenting the complex and dynamic processes involved in health decision-making during a novel disease pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Kyung Kim
- Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University
| | - Edson C Tandoc
- Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University
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Smith HS, Blumenthal-Barby JS, Chatterjee R, Hindera O, Huang A, Kothari R, Vlaev I. A Review of the MINDSPACE Framework for Nudging Health Promotion During Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Popul Health Manag 2022; 25:487-500. [PMID: 35353613 DOI: 10.1089/pop.2021.0269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the link between individual behavior and public health, along with the importance of evidence-based efforts to promote prosocial individual behavior. Insights from behavioral science can inform the design of effective behavior change techniques, or nudges, to influence individual behavior. The MINDSPACE framework organizes 9 behavioral science principles that can be used to guide policy design: Messenger, Incentives, Norms, Defaults, Salience, Priming, Affect, Commitments, and Ego. Using MINDSPACE as an organizing framework, this article provides a review of the literature on nudges to influence prosocial behaviors relevant during a pandemic: handwashing, avoidance of social gatherings, self-isolation and social distancing, and sharing public health messages. Additionally, empirical evidence on the use of nudges during the first several months of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 is summarized. Recommendations regarding the use of nudges to achieve public health policy goals during pandemics are provided. Organizational leaders, policymakers, and practitioners can use nudges to promote public health when mandates are not politically feasible or enforceable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadley Stevens Smith
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Ritodhi Chatterjee
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Olivia Hindera
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Angela Huang
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, University of Washington Boise, Boise, Idaho, USA
| | - Rishabh Kothari
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ivo Vlaev
- Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Alzaatreh MY, Al‐Maraira OA, Khrais H, Alsadi MR, AbuKmail H, Bottcher B. The perceived threat of COVID-19 and its impact on hygienic precautionary behaviors: A multi-countries study. Public Health Nurs 2022; 39:899-908. [PMID: 35152490 PMCID: PMC9115398 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE(S) To explore the perceived threats of COVID-19 and how it changed the personal hygienic precautionary behaviors across multiple countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. DESIGN A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to survey the four targeted MENA countries: Jordan, Palestinian territories, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. SAMPLE A nonprobability convenience sampling design was utilized. The link to the survey questionnaire was distributed through social media groups within Facebook® and Twitter® . The groups are known and accessible by known across the general population at the targeted countries. MEASUREMENT Data was collected using The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and an adapted instrument that examine the hygienic precautionary behaviors during COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Answers of participants (n = 2604) were valid and included in the study. The results show that a minimal perception of threat among the participants on most of the BIP-Q5 items (M = 12.9, SD = 7.2). Moreover, the highest compliance rates to recommended hygienic precautionary behaviors were found among populations above the age of 50 years (F = 2.89, p = .04), females (t = 5.18, p = .003), being married (F = 3.09, p = .029), and being a health care professional (t = -2.20, p = .028). CONCLUSION The perceived threat of COVID-19 and compliance rates with the recommended hygienic precautionary behaviors among Arab societies were found to below and need critically urgent attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Yousef Alzaatreh
- Al‐Balqa’ Applied University, Prince Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II Academy for Civil Protection, Paramedic DepartmentAmmanJordan
| | | | | | | | - Hanan AbuKmail
- School of MedicineIslamic University of GazaGazaPalestine
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Kaine G, Greenhalgh S, Wright V. Compliance with Covid-19 measures: Evidence from New Zealand. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263376. [PMID: 35139139 PMCID: PMC8827475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Governments around the world are seeking to slow the spread of Covid-19 by implementing measures that encourage, or mandate, changes in people’s behaviour. These changes include the wearing of face masks, social distancing, and testing and self-isolating when unwell. The success of these measures depends on the commitment of individuals to change their behaviour accordingly. Understanding and predicting the motivation of individuals to change their behaviour is therefore critical in assessing the likely effectiveness of these measures in slowing the spread of the virus. In this paper we draw on a novel framework, the I3 Compliance Response Framework, to understand and predict the motivation of residents in Auckland, New Zealand, to comply with measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The Framework is based on two concepts. The first uses the involvement construct to predict the motivation of individuals to comply. The second separates the influence of the policy measure from the influence of the policy outcome on the motivation of individuals to comply. In short, the Framework differentiates between the strength of individuals’ motivation and their beliefs about the advantages and disadvantages of policy outcomes and policy measures. We found this differentiation was useful in predicting an individual’s possible behavioural responses to a measure and discuss how it could assist government agencies to develop strategies to enhance compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoff Kaine
- Landscape, Policy & Governance, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, Hamilton, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
| | - Suzie Greenhalgh
- Society, Culture & Policy, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Vic Wright
- Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
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Zhang JC, Christensen KL, Leuchter RK, Vangala S, Han M, Croymans DM. Examining the role of COVID-19 testing availability on intention to isolate: A Randomized hypothetical scenario. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262659. [PMID: 35108307 PMCID: PMC8809585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little information exists on how COVID-19 testing influences intentions to engage in risky behavior. Understanding the behavioral effects of diagnostic testing may highlight the role of adequate testing on controlling viral transmission. In order to evaluate these effects, simulated scenarios were conducted evaluating participant intentions to self-isolate based on COVID-19 diagnostic testing availability and results. METHODS Participants from the United States were recruited through an online survey platform (Amazon Mechanical Turk) and randomized to one of three hypothetical scenarios. Each scenario asked participants to imagine having symptoms consistent with COVID-19 along with a clinical diagnosis from their physician. However, scenarios differed in either testing availability (testing available v. unavailable) or testing result (positive v. negative test). The primary outcome was intention to engage in high-risk COVID-19 behaviors, measured using an 11-item mean score (range 1-7) that was pre-registered prior to data collection. Multi-variable linear regression was used to compare the mean composite scores between conditions. The randomized survey was conducted between July 23rd to July 29th, 2020. RESULTS A total of 1400 participants were recruited through a national, online, opt-in survey. Out of 1194 respondents (41.6% male, 58.4% female) with a median age of 38.5 years, participants who had no testing available in their clinical scenario showed significantly greater intentions to engage in behavior facilitating COVID-19 transmission compared to those who received a positive confirmatory test result scenario (mean absolute difference (SE): 0.14 (0.06), P = 0.016), equating to an 11.1% increase in mean score risky behavior intentions. Intention to engage in behaviors that can spread COVID-19 were also positively associated with male gender, poor health status, and Republican party affiliation. CONCLUSION Testing availability appears to play an independent role in influencing behaviors facilitating COVID-19 transmission. Such findings shed light on the possible negative externalities of testing unavailability. TRIAL REGISTRATION Effect of Availability of COVID-19 Testing on Choice to Isolate and Socially Distance, NCT04459520, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04459520.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin C. Zhang
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | | | - Richard K. Leuchter
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Sitaram Vangala
- Department of Medicine Statistics Core, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Maria Han
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Daniel M. Croymans
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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14
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Thacker J, Sturman D, Auton J. Predictors of social distancing compliance in an Australian sample. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2022; 36:601-614. [PMID: 34636888 PMCID: PMC8524582 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyab035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Pandemics are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has been the most fatal coronavirus outbreak of the 21st century. To reduce person-to-person transmission, interventions such as social distancing have been recommended; however, it is anticipated that 80% compliance is required to control the outbreak. A questionnaire was used to assess the factors related to compliance with social distancing restrictions using a modified version of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) that included participants' understanding of restrictions. The questionnaire included 18 vignettes (violating, non-violating and ambiguous) to assess participants' knowledge of the social distancing restrictions and intentions to violate them. Participants were also presented the social distancing restrictions relevant at the time of completion and they were asked to consider the restrictions when anticipating their behavior in the vignettes. In line with the predictions of the TPB, intentions to adhere to restrictions and perceived behavioral control predicted participants' self-reported behaviors. Further, attitudes (ATT) toward social distancing restrictions and knowledge of the restrictions predicted intentions to adhere to them. Public health messaging should aim to increase the understanding of the restrictions, e.g. through the use of example scenarios of permitted and prohibited behaviors. This would be particularly beneficial when changes are implemented to promote the understanding of the restrictions and positive ATT toward them.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Thacker
- *Correspondence to: J. Thacker. E-mail:
| | - D Sturman
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, 259 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - J Auton
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, 259 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
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15
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Xu T. Media, Trust in Government, and Risk Perception of COVID-19 in the Early Stage of Epidemic: An Analysis Based on Moderating Effect. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9111597. [PMID: 34828642 PMCID: PMC8619844 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9111597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research has revealed that environmental, social, and cultural factors affect people's risk perception of COVID-19, especially the influence of media and trust, while the dynamics of how they affect it is still not clear. Through the analysis of online survey data, this article shows that there are two opposed paths of action. Trust in the government will enhance people's confidence in controlling COVID-19. It then moderates and decreases the effects of people's level and frequency of concernon the risk perception (both cognition and worries) of COVID-19, on the contrary, obtaining information from unofficial channels also moderates and increases the effects of the people's level and frequency of concern on the second dimension (worries) of risk perception of COVID-19 rather than the first dimension (cognition). These conclusions have important policy implications for the control of the COVID-19 epidemic all over the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xu
- College of Law and Political Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
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16
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Internal and external drivers for compliance with the COVID-19 preventive measures in Slovenia: The view from general deterrence and protection motivation. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259675. [PMID: 34780530 PMCID: PMC8592422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of a pandemic is usually accompanied by different measures–economic, social, preventive, and (self)protective. In the case of the COVID-19, several preventive measures were formally enforced by state authorities in the majority of countries worldwide. Thus, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the intertwining of formal and informal social control could be observed. Hence, in this study a cross-sectional design was chosen to explore the issue in Slovenia. To the best of our knowledge, this research is the first in the current literature to empirically test the general deterrence theory in pandemic circumstances (as external factors predicting individuals’ compliance with the COVID-19 preventive measures). The results suggest an important role of informal punishment, with perceived informal severity being the only statistically significant factor from the general deterrence theory. In contrast to external factors, internal factors play a significantly greater role in promoting people’s self-protective behavior in pandemic circumstances. During the unknown, the uncertain and delicate situations with which people have no previous experience, both personal beliefs about the effectiveness of measures and perceived self-efficacy are more important than fear of formal sanctions.
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17
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The Theory of Planned Behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic: A comparison of health behaviors between Belgian and French residents. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258320. [PMID: 34735473 PMCID: PMC8568184 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic presents a global crisis and authorities have encouraged the population to promote preventive health behaviors to slow the spread of the virus. While the literature on psychological factors influencing health behaviors during the COVID-19 is flourishing, there is a lack of cross-national research focusing on multiple health behaviors. The present study overcomes this limitation and affords a validation of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a conceptual framework for explaining the adoption of handwashing and limitation of social contacts, two health behaviors that highly differ in their nature. Specifically, we compare TPB model on these two protective behaviors among people living in Belgium (N = 3744) and France (N = 1060) during the COVID-19 sanitary crisis. Data were collected from March 18 until April 19, 2020, which corresponds to the spring lockdown and the first peak of the pandemic in these countries. Results indicated that more positive attitudes, greater social norms, increased perceived control and higher intentions were related to higher adherence to handwashing and limitation of social contacts, for both Belgian and French residents. Ultimately, we argued that the TPB model tends to manifest similarly across countries in explaining health behaviors, when comparing handwashing and limitation of social contacts among individuals living in different national contexts.
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18
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Adiyoso W, Wilopo. Social distancing intentions to reduce the spread of COVID-19: The extended theory of planned behavior. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1836. [PMID: 34635071 PMCID: PMC8503732 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11884-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the absence of a vaccine of SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic, the most effective way to reduce transmission of the virus is by applying social distancing practices. Exploring factors that determine whether people adopt social distancing measures is, therefore, critical to reducing the spread of the virus. This study aimed to investigate people's intentions to socially distance based on the extended Theory of Planned Behavior. METHODS A questionnaire was distributed to the sample population and collected through social media online and WhatsApp groups from March 26, 2020 to March 29, 2020. There were 823 analyzed out of 1870 responses. The extended TPB variables and risk perception were measured using a 7-point scale (scored from 1 to 7). Data were analyzed using the partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling method. RESULTS Study found that the factors influencing the intention to perform social distancing were subjective norms and perceived behavior control. Risk perception affected attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Media exposure was found to determine attitudes, subjective norms, and risk perceptions. The relationship between attitudes and intentions, and media use and perceived behavior control were not significant. The better and effective risk communication that can change the level of risk perception, raise family and religious leader as well as increase to control behavior are the keys to people's perform social distancing. Results from a multigroup analysis revealed that younger individuals showed a stronger relationship between the influence of risk perception and PBC and media use on risk perception. The predictive strength of subjective norms from risk perception and risk perception from media use was more strongly associated with rural populations. CONCLUSIONS The results of study provide an initial understanding of the level of the public's risk perception to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Findings also revealed the role of media use in determining risk perception, attitudes and subjective norms and, in turn, change people's intention to socially distance. This study may add to the literature of behavioral changes in pandemic and provide a framework for both policymakers and practitioners to formulate effective interventions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wignyo Adiyoso
- National Development Planning Agency/BAPPENAS, Jl. Proklamasi No. 70, Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia.
| | - Wilopo
- Research Centre for Conflict and Policy (RCCP), Faculty of Administrative Science, Brawijaya University, Jl. MT. Haryono 163, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
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19
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Magarini FM, Pinelli M, Sinisi A, Ferrari S, De Fazio GL, Galeazzi GM. Irrational Beliefs about COVID-19: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9839. [PMID: 34639241 PMCID: PMC8508358 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18199839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Since the emergence of the recent Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) and its spread as a pandemic, there has been a parallel spread of false and misleading information, known as an infodemic. The COVID-19 infodemic has induced distrust in scientific communities, governments, institutions and the population, and a confidence crisis that has led to harmful health behaviours, also impacting on mental health. The aim of this study is to provide a scoping review of the scientific literature about COVID-19-related misinformation and conspiracy theories, focusing on the construction of a conceptual framework which is useful for the interpretation of the conspiracy theory phenomenon surrounding COVID-19, and its consequences. Particular socio-environmental conditions (i.e., low educational level, younger age), psychological processes and attitudes (such as low levels of epistemic trust, the avoidance of uncertainty, extraversion, collective narcissism, and a conspiracy-prone mindset), and contextual factors (e.g., high levels of self-perceived risk and anxiety) seem to underpin the adherence to beliefs that are not solely the domain of paranoids and extremists but a widespread phenomenon that has caused important health, social and political consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Maria Magarini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, School of Specialization in Psychiatry, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (F.M.M.); (M.P.); (A.S.); (S.F.)
| | - Margherita Pinelli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, School of Specialization in Psychiatry, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (F.M.M.); (M.P.); (A.S.); (S.F.)
| | - Arianna Sinisi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, School of Specialization in Psychiatry, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (F.M.M.); (M.P.); (A.S.); (S.F.)
| | - Silvia Ferrari
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, School of Specialization in Psychiatry, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (F.M.M.); (M.P.); (A.S.); (S.F.)
- Section of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 7, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | | | - Gian Maria Galeazzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, School of Specialization in Psychiatry, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (F.M.M.); (M.P.); (A.S.); (S.F.)
- Section of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 7, 41124 Modena, Italy
- Dipartimento di Salute Mentale e Dipendenze Patologiche, USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
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20
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Issrani R, Alam MK. Theory of planned behavior as a conceptual framework for the willingness to self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic: A regional cross-sectional study. Work 2021; 70:11-20. [PMID: 34487003 DOI: 10.3233/wor-205322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to an unavailability of a vaccine, one of the efficient methods to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is by applying self-isolation (SI). Hence there is an urgent need to investigate the factors leading to an individuals' willingness to choose to self-isolate. OBJECTIVES The current study utilized the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a conceptual model and aimed to investigate the extent to which subjective norms, personal attitudes and perceived control influences an individual's willingness to self-isolate during COVID-19 risk. METHOD A cross-sectional study was performed on 800 Saudi respondents aged≥18 years by using a validated self-administered questionnaire about factors related to willingness to self-isolate during COVID-19 pandemic risk based on the TPB. The effects of different variables on SI were analyzed by using ordinal logistic regression model. RESULTS A total of 756 (94.5%) were completed and analyzed. Subjective norms and perceived control over the behavior significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the intention of willingness to self-isolate, while attitude was found to be insignificant. The odds of letting others to know about self COVID status were 2.40 times higher than not telling the neighbors or colleagues. A statistically significant difference (p≤0.001) existed between males and females regarding the willingness to self-isolate. Similarly the odds of willingness to self-isolate with a presence of disabled person in family were 2.88 times higher than the absence of a disability in the family. Few recommendations for the policymakers that are needed to curb the spread of COVID-19 infection are also proposed. CONCLUSION The outcomes of study might be considered as an initial understanding of the factors that significantly influences an individual's willingness to SI when facing an unprecedented pandemic risk. Additionally, these factors provide a plan for policymakers to encourage citizens for self-isolation during pandemic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakhi Issrani
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Sakaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Khursheed Alam
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Sakaka, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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21
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Schüz B, Conner M, Wilding S, Alhawtan R, Prestwich A, Norman P. Do socio-structural factors moderate the effects of health cognitions on COVID-19 protection behaviours? Soc Sci Med 2021; 285:114261. [PMID: 34332252 PMCID: PMC8299154 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adherence to protection behaviours remains key to curbing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, but there are substantial differences in individual adherence to recommendations according to socio-structural factors. To better understand such differences, the current research examines whether relationships between health cognitions based on the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) and eight COVID-19 protection behaviours vary as a function of participant-level socio-structural factors. METHODS Within-person design with behaviours nested within participants in a two-wave online survey (one week delay) conducted during the UK national lockdown in April 2020. A UK representative sample of 477 adults completed baseline measures from the RAA plus perceived susceptibility and past behaviour for eight protection behaviours, and self-reported behaviour one week later. Moderated hierarchical linear models with cross-level interactions were used to test moderation of health cognitions by socio-structural factors (sex, age, ethnicity, deprivation). RESULTS Sex, ethnicity and deprivation moderated the effects of health cognitions on protection intentions and behaviour. For example, the effects of injunctive norms on intentions were stronger in men compared to women. Importantly, intention was a weaker predictor of behaviour in more compared to less deprived groups. In addition, there was evidence that perceived autonomy was a stronger predictor of behaviour in more deprived groups. CONCLUSION Socio-structural variables affect how health cognitions relate to recommended COVID-19 protection behaviours. As a result, behavioural interventions based on social-cognitive theories might be less effective in participants from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rana Alhawtan
- University of Leeds, UK; Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Saudi Arabia
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22
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Swami V, Barron D. Rational thinking style, rejection of coronavirus (COVID-19) conspiracy theories/theorists, and compliance with mandated requirements. JOURNAL OF PACIFIC RIM PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/18344909211037385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Faced with the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, many nations have mandated sets of requirements, such as social-distancing measures. However, compliance with such measures is likely to be shaped by a range of factors. Here, we proposed and tested a mediation model in which rejection of COVID-19 conspiracy theories and/or theorists mediates the relationship between rational thinking style and compliance with mandated requirements. An online, nationally representative sample of the adult population in the United Kingdom ( N = 520) completed a previously validated measure of rational thinking style, as well as novel measures of rejection of COVID-19 conspiracy theories/theorists and compliance with mandated requirements. Intercorrelations between scores on all three measures were significant and positive. Mediation analysis indicated that rational thinking style and rejection of COVID-19 conspiracy theories/theorists, respectively, were directly associated with compliance, and that the mediated association was also significant. These results may have implications for practical policy aimed at promoting greater compliance with mandated requirements, including social distancing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viren Swami
- School of Psychology and Sport Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Psychological Medicine, Perdana University, Perdana University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - David Barron
- Centre for Psychological Medicine, Perdana University, Perdana University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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23
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Filkuková P, Ayton P, Rand K, Langguth J. What Should I Trust? Individual Differences in Attitudes to Conflicting Information and Misinformation on COVID-19. Front Psychol 2021; 12:588478. [PMID: 34248728 PMCID: PMC8262492 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.588478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic constitutes a novel threat and traditional and new media provide people with an abundance of information and misinformation on the topic. In the current study, we investigated who tends to trust what type of mis/information. The data were collected in Norway from a sample of 405 participants during the first wave of COVID-19 in April 2020. We focused on three kinds of belief: the belief that the threat is overrated (COVID-threat skepticism), the belief that the threat is underrated (COVID-threat belief) and belief in misinformation about COVID-19. We studied sociodemographic factors associated with these beliefs and the interplay between attitudes to COVID-19, media consumption and prevention behavior. All three types of belief were associated with distrust in information about COVID-19 provided by traditional media and distrust in the authorities' approach to the pandemic. COVID-threat skepticism was associated with male gender, reduced news consumption since the start of the pandemic and lower levels of precautionary measures. Belief that the COVID-19 threat is underrated was associated with younger age, left-wing political orientation, increased news consumption during the pandemic and increased precautionary behavior. Consistent with the assumptions of the theory of planned behavior, individual beliefs about the seriousness of the COVID-19 threat predicted the extent to which individual participants adopted precautionary health measures. Both COVID-threat skepticism and COVID-threat belief were associated with endorsement of misinformation on COVID-19. Participants who endorsed misinformation tended to: have lower levels of education; be male; show decreased news consumption; have high Internet use and high trust in information provided by social media. Additionally, they tended to endorse multiple misinformation stories simultaneously, even when they were mutually contradictory. The strongest predictor for low compliance with precautionary measures was endorsement of a belief that the COVID-19 threat is overrated which at the time of the data collection was held also by some experts and featured in traditional media. The findings stress the importance of consistency of communication in situations of a public health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Ayton
- Centre for Decision Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Kim Rand
- Health Services Research Centre, Akershus University Hospital, Akershus, Norway
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24
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Pavela Banai I, Banai B, Mikloušić I. Beliefs in COVID-19 conspiracy theories, compliance with the preventive measures, and trust in government medical officials. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 41:7448-7458. [PMID: 34075284 PMCID: PMC8153526 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01898-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The COVID -19 pandemic represents a global health crisis, so adherence to government guidelines and public health advice is critical in reducing transmission rates. Despite this, it has been reported that a minority of people do not comply with the governmental guidelines. When considering the reasons why some people do not comply with preventive measures, previous studies have shown that beliefs in COVID-19 conspiracy theories negatively predict responsible pandemic-related behaviour. This, in turn, could seriously undermine success in combating the pandemic. Our aim was, therefore, to further investigate the relationship between conspiracy beliefs and adherence to official COVID-19 medical guidelines by including mediating roles of beliefs in pseudoscientific information and trust in government officials. A total of 1882 adults from Croatia provided sociodemographic information and completed several scales related to COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs, beliefs in pseudoscientific information, trust in government officials, and adherence to official COVID-19 guidelines. A multiple mediation analysis revealed a direct negative effect of COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs on compliance with the preventive measures. In addition, conspiracy beliefs were indirectly related to compliance via trust in government officials. The present study builds upon emerging research showing that conspiracy beliefs may have significant social consequences and pose a potential risk to public health. Practical implications of these findings are discussed further. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-021-01898-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Pavela Banai
- Department of Psychology, University of Zadar, Obala k. Petra Krešimira IV, 2, 23 000 Zadar, Croatia
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The Public Servants' Response When Facing Pandemic: The Role of Public Service Motivation, Accountability Pressure, and Emergency Response Capacity. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9050529. [PMID: 34062945 PMCID: PMC8147436 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9050529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Public servants are regarded as guardians of the public interest, and their pandemic response played a vital role in controlling the spread of the epidemic. However, there is limited knowledge of the factors that influence public servants' response (PSR) when facing pandemic prevention and control tasks. (2) Methods: Based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), models were constructed and a regression method was employed with Chinese civil servant data to investigate how PSR is influenced by public service motivation (PSM), accountability pressure (AP), and emergency response capacity (ERC). (3) Results and discussion: PSM, AP, and ERC all have a positive effect on PSR, with AP having the greatest influence, followed by PSM and ERC. The effects of PSM, AP, and ERC on PSR have group heterogeneity, which had little effect on civil servants with very low levels of PSR and the greatest impact on civil servants with medium-level PSR. Job categories of civil servants also are a factor related to PSR; PSM and AP have the strongest effects on civil servants in professional technology, and ERC has the greatest influence on administrative law enforcement. Moreover, gender, administrative level, and leadership positions also have an impact on PSR. (4) Conclusions: Based on the factors of PSR, we found at least three important aspects that governments need to consider in encouraging PSR when facing a pandemic.
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26
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Both LM, Zoratto G, Calegaro VC, Ramos-Lima LF, Negretto BL, Hauck S, Freitas LHM. COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing: economic, psychological, family, and technological effects. TRENDS IN PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY 2021; 43:85-91. [PMID: 34043896 PMCID: PMC8317552 DOI: 10.47626/2237-6089-2020-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The concept of social isolation is currently understood as a measure of epidemiological containment that aims to reduce the speed of spread of the disease, enabling health services to prepare their resources to cope with the likely increase in demand, while also seeking to provide additional protection to groups considered to be at higher risk. OBJECTIVE The present narrative review aims to compile and synthesize the literature related to social isolation produced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. METHOD This study is a narrative review of the literature on social isolation in the context of the COVID- 19 pandemic. RESULTS 73 publications were included for full-text reading and were classified into the following categories: levels of social isolation, economic effects, family relationships, health system, mental health of the population, and use of technology. CONCLUSIONS It is necessary to plan an escalation of responses to the consequences of the pandemic, especially in view of the increased demand on the health sector and social services. The negative effects of social isolation can be prevented by public policies that offer a response to the economic recession, maintenance of social work, encouragement of quality care in mental health services, and community support for vulnerable families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciane Maria Both
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do ComportamentoUniversidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto AlegreRSBrazil
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento
,
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
(UFRGS),
Porto Alegre
,
RS
.
Brazil
.
| | - Gustavo Zoratto
- Faculdade de MedicinaUniversidade Federal de Santa MariaSanta MariaRSBrazil
Faculdade de Medicina
,
Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
(UFSM),
Santa Maria
,
RS
,
Brazil
.
| | - Vitor Crestani Calegaro
- Departamento de NeuropsiquiatriaUFSMSanta MariaRSBrazil
Departamento de Neuropsiquiatria
,
UFSM
,
Santa Maria
,
RS
,
Brazil
.
| | - Luis Francisco Ramos-Lima
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do ComportamentoUniversidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto AlegreRSBrazil
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento
,
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
(UFRGS),
Porto Alegre
,
RS
.
Brazil
.
- Programa de Pesquisa e Tratamento de Trauma PsicológicoHospital de Clínicas de Porto AlegrePorto AlegreRSBrazil
Programa de Pesquisa e Tratamento de Trauma Psicológico
(NET-Trauma),
Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre
(HCPA),
Porto Alegre
,
RS
,
Brazil
.
| | - Bianca Lorenzi Negretto
- Faculdade de MedicinaUniversidade Federal de Santa MariaSanta MariaRSBrazil
Faculdade de Medicina
,
Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
(UFSM),
Santa Maria
,
RS
,
Brazil
.
| | - Simone Hauck
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do ComportamentoUniversidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto AlegreRSBrazil
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento
,
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
(UFRGS),
Porto Alegre
,
RS
.
Brazil
.
- Programa de Pesquisa e Tratamento de Trauma PsicológicoHospital de Clínicas de Porto AlegrePorto AlegreRSBrazil
Programa de Pesquisa e Tratamento de Trauma Psicológico
(NET-Trauma),
Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre
(HCPA),
Porto Alegre
,
RS
,
Brazil
.
| | - Lucia Helena Machado Freitas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do ComportamentoUniversidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto AlegreRSBrazil
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento
,
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
(UFRGS),
Porto Alegre
,
RS
.
Brazil
.
- Programa de Pesquisa e Tratamento de Trauma PsicológicoHospital de Clínicas de Porto AlegrePorto AlegreRSBrazil
Programa de Pesquisa e Tratamento de Trauma Psicológico
(NET-Trauma),
Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre
(HCPA),
Porto Alegre
,
RS
,
Brazil
.
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Sturman D, Auton JC, Thacker J. Knowledge of social distancing measures and adherence to restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Promot J Austr 2021; 32:344-351. [PMID: 33249695 PMCID: PMC7753595 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED With no efficacious treatments or vaccines available, social distancing measures remain the most effective approach for reducing the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. However, adherence to social distance measures presumably requires knowledge and understanding of the current social distancing restrictions. METHODS A modified version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour examined the role of knowledge and understanding of current social distancing measures in predicting intentions to adhere to social distancing restrictions. An online survey was administered to respondents (N = 374) in Melbourne, Australia during a period of heightened social distancing restrictions. In addition to measuring respondents' general intentions to adhere to restrictions, vignettes were used to assess intended behaviour in specific situations. RESULTS Knowledge of social distancing restrictions predicted intentions to adhere in specific situations, but not general intentions to adhere. Knowledge of restrictions also predicted positive attitudes towards current restrictions and a greater perceived ability to adhere to the restrictions, while positive attitudes was a good predictor of both general and specific intentions to adhere. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that attitudes towards restrictions may influence whether individuals attempt to adhere to restrictions, but knowledge of the restrictions influences whether the intended behaviour actually adheres to current restrictions. SO WHAT?: These outcomes indicate that members of the public should be educated regarding the negative consequences associated with the COVID-19 virus and the capacity of social distancing to reduce transmission of the virus, and a need for social distancing restrictions to be uncomplicated and clearly communicated.
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Sifunda S, Mokhele T, Manyaapelo T, Dukhi N, Sewpaul R, Parker WA, Parker S, Naidoo I, Jooste S, Ramlagan S, Gaida R, Mabaso M, Zuma K, Reddy P. Preparedness for self-isolation or quarantine and lockdown in South Africa: results from a rapid online survey. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:580. [PMID: 33757461 PMCID: PMC7987115 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 pandemic a public health emergency of international concern. South Africa, like many other countries, initiated a multifaceted national response to the pandemic. Self-isolation and quarantine are essential components of the public health response in the country. This paper examined perceptions and preparedness for self-isolation or quarantine during the initial phase of the pandemic in South Africa. METHODS The analysis used data obtained from an online quantitative survey conducted in all nine provinces using a data-free platform. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyse the data. RESULTS Of 55,823 respondents, 40.1% reported that they may end up in self-isolation or quarantine, 32.6% did not think that they would and 27.4% were unsure. Preparedness for self-isolation or quarantine was 59.0% for self, 53.8% for child and 59.9% for elderly. The odds of perceived possibility for self-isolation or quarantine were significantly higher among Coloureds, Whites, and Indians/Asians than Black Africans, and among those with moderate or high self-perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 than those with low risk perception. The odds were significantly lower among older age groups than those aged 18-29 years, and those unemployed than fully employed. The odds of preparedness for self-isolation or quarantine were significantly less likely among females than males. Preparedness for self, child and elderly isolation or quarantine was significantly more likely among other population groups than Black Africans and among older age groups than those aged 18-29 years. Preparedness for self, child and elderly isolation or quarantine was significantly less likely among those self-employed than fully employed and those residing in informal dwellings than formal dwellings. In addition, preparedness for self-isolation or quarantine was significantly less likely among those with moderate and high self-perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 than low risk perception. CONCLUSION The findings highlight the challenge of implementing self-isolation or quarantine in a country with different and unique social contexts. There is a need for public awareness regarding the importance of self-isolation or quarantine as well as counter measures against contextual factors inhibiting this intervention, especially in impoverished communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibusiso Sifunda
- Human Sciences Research Council, Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Private Bag X41, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
| | - Tholang Mokhele
- Human Sciences Research Council, Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Private Bag X41, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
| | - Thabang Manyaapelo
- Human Sciences Research Council, Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Private Bag X41, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
| | - Natisha Dukhi
- Human Sciences Research Council, Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Private Bag X41, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
| | - Ronel Sewpaul
- Human Sciences Research Council, Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Private Bag X41, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
| | - Whadi-Ah Parker
- Human Sciences Research Council, Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Private Bag X41, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
| | - Saahier Parker
- Human Sciences Research Council, Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Private Bag X41, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
| | - Inbarani Naidoo
- Human Sciences Research Council, Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Private Bag X41, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
| | - Sean Jooste
- Human Sciences Research Council, Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Private Bag X41, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
| | - Shandir Ramlagan
- Human Sciences Research Council, Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Private Bag X41, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
| | - Razia Gaida
- Human Sciences Research Council, Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Private Bag X41, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
| | - Musawenkosi Mabaso
- Human Sciences Research Council, Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Private Bag X41, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
| | - Khangelani Zuma
- Human Sciences Research Council, Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Private Bag X41, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Priscilla Reddy
- Human Sciences Research Council, Human and Social Capabilities Research Division, Private Bag X41, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
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29
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Czeisler MÉ, Howard ME, Robbins R, Barger LK, Facer-Childs ER, Rajaratnam SMW, Czeisler CA. Early public adherence with and support for stay-at-home COVID-19 mitigation strategies despite adverse life impact: a transnational cross-sectional survey study in the United States and Australia. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:503. [PMID: 33722226 DOI: 10.1101/2020.04.22.20076141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Governments worldwide recommended unprecedented measures to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As pressure mounted to scale back measures, understanding public priorities was critical. We assessed initial public adherence with and support for stay-at-home orders in nations and cities with different SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 death rates. METHODS Cross-sectional surveys were administered to representative samples of adults aged ≥18 years from regions with different SARS-CoV-2 prevalences from April 2-8, 2020. Regions included two nations [the United States (US-high prevalence) and Australia (AU-low prevalence)] and two US cities [New York City (NY-high prevalence) and Los Angeles (LA-low prevalence)]. Regional SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 prevalence (cumulative SARS-CoV-2 infections, COVID-19 deaths) as of April 8, 2020: US (363,321, 10,845), AU (5956, 45), NY (81,803, 4571), LA (7530, 198). Of 8718 eligible potential respondents, 5573 (response rate, 63.9%) completed surveys. Median age was 47 years (range, 18-89); 3039 (54.5%) were female. RESULTS Of 5573 total respondents, 4560 (81.8%) reported adherence with recommended quarantine or stay-at-home policies (range of samples, 75.5-88.2%). Additionally, 29.1% of respondents screened positive for anxiety or depression symptoms (range of samples, 28.6-32.0%), with higher prevalences among those of younger age, female gender, and those in quarantine or staying at home most of the time versus those who did not report these behaviours. Despite elevated prevalences of adverse mental health symptoms and significant life disruptions, 5022 respondents (90.1%) supported government-imposed stay-at-home orders (range of samples, 88.9-93.1%). Of these, 90.8% believed orders should last at least three more weeks or until public health or government officials recommended, with support spanning the political spectrum. CONCLUSIONS Public adherence with COVID-19 mitigation policies was highly prevalent, in both highly-affected (US, NY) and minimally-affected regions (AU, LA). Despite disruption of respondents' lives, the vast majority supported continuation of extended stay-at-home orders. Despite common support, these two countries diverged in stringent mitigation implementation, which may have contributed to subsequent outcomes. These results reveal the importance of surveillance of public support for and adherence with such policies during the COVID-19 pandemic and for future infectious disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark É Czeisler
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3084, Australia.
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Mark E Howard
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3084, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Rebecca Robbins
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Laura K Barger
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Elise R Facer-Childs
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Shantha M W Rajaratnam
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3084, Australia
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Charles A Czeisler
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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30
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Escandon-Barbosa D, Hurtado A, Gomez A. Factors Affecting Voluntary Self-Isolation Behavior to Cope with a Pandemic: Empirical Evidence from Colombia vs. Spain in Times of COVID-19. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:bs11030035. [PMID: 33803932 PMCID: PMC8001959 DOI: 10.3390/bs11030035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Global pandemics are not a new phenomenon. They have occurred at different points in time and can be of different scales. COVID-19 appeared in 2020 and its spread has reached more than 60 countries worldwide. This research aims to analyze voluntary self-isolation behavior used to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this study, we carried out sampling in Colombia and Spain, which share similar cultural characteristics but which have substantial social and economic differences. A multi-group model was used to test the application of the theory of planned behavior and the theory of reasoned action in order to analyze self-isolation behavior. The results show that there are differences in self-isolation behavior between both countries, especially with regard to attitudes towards self-isolation and volitional behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Escandon-Barbosa
- Departamento Gestion de Organizaciones, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali, 760030 Cali, Colombia
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea Hurtado
- Universidad “Antonio Jose Camacho”, 760007 Valle del Cauca, Colombia;
| | - Alina Gomez
- Departmento Contabilidad y Finanzas, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, 111611 Bogotá, Colombia;
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von Rüden U, Spura A, Horstmann S, Renner I, Merkel C, Buhs B, Thaiss H, De Bock F. [Demand-driven communication strategy of the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) during the COVID-19 pandemic]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2021; 64:285-293. [PMID: 33606077 PMCID: PMC7893380 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-021-03290-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
With the declaration of a pandemic situation of national significance by the German Bundestag, the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) is fulfilling its task of providing information for understanding the pandemic situation and implementing the necessary protective measures in a clear manner throughout Germany within the framework of the adapted National Pandemic Plan COVID-19. The BZgA targets its information according to the needs of specific groups and actively involves multipliers.In order to incorporate the perspectives of the population as well as those of prevention and health promotion professionals into the services developed by the BZgA, given the particularly initial low level of knowledge in the population, various methods and data sources were used: the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring (COSMO) population survey, the monitoring of citizens' enquiries via telephone and e‑mail to the BZgA, surveys of counselling professionals from nationwide telephone and online counselling centres, surveys of health professionals in early help (NZFH) and interdisciplinary practice expert hearings. Beyond providing pure information, practical and everyday offers should be developed and provided according to WHO guidelines and evidence-based criteria of effective communication in order to support the competences for a gradual adaptation to a "new normality".The paper describes the data-based and evidence-informed development process of communication content and offers, their dissemination via existing websites and channels for other topics as well as their integration into the new online platform www.zusammengegencorona.de . This demonstrates how demand-driven and target group-specific communication offers can be implemented beyond the classic and proven campaign appearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula von Rüden
- Referat "Forschung, Qualitätssicherung", Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, Maarweg 149-165, 50825, Köln, Deutschland.
| | - Anke Spura
- Referat "Fortbildung/Qualifizierung/Hochschulkooperation", Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Sabine Horstmann
- Nationales Zentrum Frühe Hilfen (NZFH), Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Ilona Renner
- Nationales Zentrum Frühe Hilfen (NZFH), Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Christina Merkel
- Referat "Forschung, Qualitätssicherung", Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, Maarweg 149-165, 50825, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Bernhard Buhs
- Referat "Fortbildung/Qualifizierung/Hochschulkooperation", Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Heidrun Thaiss
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Freia De Bock
- Abteilung "Effektivität und Effizienz der gesundheitlichen Aufklärung", Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, Köln, Deutschland
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Thoma V, Weiss-Cohen L, Filkuková P, Ayton P. Cognitive Predictors of Precautionary Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychol 2021; 12:589800. [PMID: 33732179 PMCID: PMC7959822 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.589800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The attempts to mitigate the unprecedented health, economic, and social disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are largely dependent on establishing compliance to behavioral guidelines and rules that reduce the risk of infection. Here, by conducting an online survey that tested participants' knowledge about the disease and measured demographic, attitudinal, and cognitive variables, we identify predictors of self-reported social distancing and hygiene behavior. To investigate the cognitive processes underlying health-prevention behavior in the pandemic, we co-opted the dual-process model of thinking to measure participants' propensities for automatic and intuitive thinking vs. controlled and reflective thinking. Self-reports of 17 precautionary behaviors, including regular hand washing, social distancing, and wearing a face mask, served as a dependent measure. The results of hierarchical regressions showed that age, risk-taking propensity, and concern about the pandemic predicted adoption of precautionary behavior. Variance in cognitive processes also predicted precautionary behavior: participants with higher scores for controlled thinking (measured with the Cognitive Reflection Test) reported less adherence to specific guidelines, as did respondents with a poor understanding of the infection and transmission mechanism of the COVID-19 virus. The predictive power of this model was comparable to an approach (Theory of Planned Behavior) based on attitudes to health behavior. Given these results, we propose the inclusion of measures of cognitive reflection and mental model variables in predictive models of compliance, and future studies of precautionary behavior to establish how cognitive variables are linked with people's information processing and social norms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Thoma
- School of Psychology, University of East London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Petra Filkuková
- Department of High Performance Computing, Simula Research Laboratory, Oslo, Norway
| | - Peter Ayton
- Leeds University Business School, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Bigot A, Banse E, Cordonnier A, Luminet O. Sociodemographic, Cognitive, and Emotional Determinants of Two Health Behaviors during SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak: An Online Study among French-Speaking Belgian Responders during the Spring Lockdown. Psychol Belg 2021; 61:63-78. [PMID: 33664975 PMCID: PMC7908923 DOI: 10.5334/pb.712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To contain the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate, health authorities have encouraged the population to enhance protective behaviors such as physical distancing and handwashing. Behavioral sciences emphasize the role of sociocognitive determinants to explain health behaviors, while largely ignoring emotional factors. In a large online study (N > 4000), we investigated the role of sociodemographic, cognitive, emotional, and social factors that can facilitate or hinder handwashing and limitation of social contacts. Data were collected from March 18 until April 19, 2020, which corresponds to the spring lockdown and the first peak of the pandemic in Belgium. Logistic regressions showed that sociodemographic factors (gender, age, level of education) and the dimensions of the Theory of Planned Behavior (intentions, attitudes, perceived behavioral control and subjective norms) had a strong impact on health behaviors, but that emotional factors explained an additional part of the variance. Being more attentive/determined and frightened/anxious, along with scoring higher on health anxiety were related to a higher frequency of handwashing. In contrast, being enthusiastic/happy was related to lower adherence to limiting social contacts. Our results suggest that the type of predictors and the direction of associations depend on the type of health behavior considered. The role of specific emotional factors in addition to more classical predictors is discussed. The study offers new perspectives regarding the factors that are associated with the adherence to behaviors recommended to adopt when faced with a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alix Bigot
- UCLouvain, Research Institute for Psychological Sciences, BE
| | - Emilie Banse
- UCLouvain, Research Institute for Psychological Sciences, BE
| | | | - Olivier Luminet
- UCLouvain, Research Institute for Psychological Sciences, BE
- Fund for Scientific Research (FRS-FNRS), BE
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34
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Mao Y, Chen H, Wang Y, Chen S, Gao J, Dai J, Jia Y, Xiao Q, Zheng P, Fu H. How can the uptake of preventive behaviour during the COVID-19 outbreak be improved? An online survey of 4827 Chinese residents. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042954. [PMID: 33593779 PMCID: PMC7887866 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to assess the uptake of preventive behaviour during the COVID-19 outbreak and to investigate the factors influencing the uptake of preventive behaviour based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Chinese residents aged ≥18 years and 4827 participants from 31 provinces and autonomous regions were included in the current study. Uptake of preventive behaviour, attitude towards the spread of COVID-19 and preventive behaviour, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, demographic characteristics and the information attention and processing mode were measured. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify associations between the potential influencing factors and uptake of preventive behaviour. RESULTS There were 2393 (52.8%) respondents reported high uptake of preventive behaviour. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that attitude towards the behaviour, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control were significantly correlated with uptake of preventive behaviour, and perceived behavioural control was the strongest influencing factor (OR=4.09, 95% CI 3.57 to 4.69). Furthermore, systematic information processing mode was positively associated with high uptake of preventive behaviour compared with heuristic information processing mode (OR=2.16, 95% CI 1.67 to 2.81). CONCLUSIONS These findings are helpful for developing education and interventions to promote high uptake of preventive behaviour and enhance public health outcomes during pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Mao
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Chen
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wang
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suhong Chen
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junling Gao
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junming Dai
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingnan Jia
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianyi Xiao
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pinpin Zheng
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Fu
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Andarge E, Fikadu T, Temesgen R, Shegaze M, Feleke T, Haile F, Endashaw G, Boti N, Bekele A, Glagn M. Intention and Practice on Personal Preventive Measures Against the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Adults with Chronic Conditions in Southern Ethiopia: A Survey Using the Theory of Planned Behavior. J Multidiscip Healthc 2020; 13:1863-1877. [PMID: 33299323 PMCID: PMC7721310 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s284707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE With prevention being the only and best available intervention, COVID-19 has recently become a global threat, having had and continuing to have enormous health, economic, and societal impacts. Evidence so far has documented a heightened risk of mortality to people with chronic conditions. There is a dearth of evidence regarding chronic disease patients' intention and practice on the preventive measures. This study tried to fill this gap by assessing the intention to practice and practice on personal preventive measures (PPMs) among adults with chronic conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Southern Ethiopia among 806 adults with chronic conditions by employing a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested and structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS software version 25. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with intention and practice. Level of statistical significance was declared at a P-value of less than 0.05. RESULTS The study showed that 52% (95% CI=47.61-54.80) and 76.3% (95% CI=73.36-79.24) of adults with chronic conditions were intending to practice and had ever practiced the personal preventive measures. Participants' subjective norm (SN) (AOR=4.94; 95% CI=3.49-6.96) and perceived behavioral control (PBC) (AOR=4.13; 95% CI=2.69-6.34) were the factors associated with their intention. Good knowledge and a positive attitude were found to be significant factors associated with the participants' actual practice of the PPMs among other independent factors. CONCLUSION Around half of the participants were intending to practice PPMs, and three-quarters had good practice on the PPMs against COVID-19. Interventions targeted to improve intention and practice on the PPMs need to take into account improving knowledge and attitude, and build positive subjective norms and heighten the confidence to control the preventive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshetu Andarge
- School of Public Health, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State, Ethiopia
| | - Teshale Fikadu
- School of Public Health, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State, Ethiopia
| | - Rodas Temesgen
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State, Ethiopia
| | - Mulugeta Shegaze
- School of Public Health, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Feleke
- School of Public Health, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State, Ethiopia
| | - Firehiwot Haile
- School of Public Health, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State, Ethiopia
| | - Gisila Endashaw
- School of Nursing, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State, Ethiopia
| | - Negussie Boti
- School of Public Health, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Bekele
- Center for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State, Ethiopia
| | - Mustefa Glagn
- School of Public Health, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State, Ethiopia
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Iorfa SK, Ottu IFA, Oguntayo R, Ayandele O, Kolawole SO, Gandi JC, Dangiwa AL, Olapegba PO. COVID-19 Knowledge, Risk Perception, and Precautionary Behavior Among Nigerians: A Moderated Mediation Approach. Front Psychol 2020; 11:566773. [PMID: 33329202 PMCID: PMC7714760 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.566773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus has not only brought along disruptions to daily socio-economic activities, but sickness and deaths due to its high contagion. With no widely acceptable pharmaceutical cure, the best form of prevention may be precautionary measures which will guide against infections and curb the spread of the disease. This study explored the relationship between COVID-19 knowledge, risk perception, and precautionary behavior among Nigerians. The study also sought to determine whether this relationship differed for men and women. A web-based cross-sectional design approach was used to recruit 1,554 participants (mean age = 27.43, SD = 9.75; 42.7% females) from all geopolitical zones in Nigeria, through social media platforms using a snowball sampling technique. Participants responded to web-based survey forms comprising demographic questions and adapted versions of the Ebola knowledge scale, SARS risk perception scale, and precautionary behavior scale. Moderated mediation analysis of the data showed that risk perception mediated the association between COVID-19 knowledge and precautionary behavior and this indirect effect was in turn moderated by gender. Results indicate that having adequate knowledge of COVID-19 was linked to higher involvement in precautionary behavior through risk perception for females but not for males. It was also noted that awareness campaigns and psychological intervention strategies on COVID-19 related activities may be particularly important for males more than females. Drawing from the health belief model, we recommend that COVID-19 awareness campaigns should target raising more awareness of the risks associated with the infection to make individuals engage more in precautionary behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven K. Iorfa
- Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | | | - Rotimi Oguntayo
- Department of Psychology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
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Norman P, Wilding S, Conner M. Reasoned action approach and compliance with recommended behaviours to prevent the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the UK. Br J Health Psychol 2020; 25:1006-1019. [PMID: 33007143 PMCID: PMC7536976 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To examine associations between demographics, people’s beliefs, and compliance with behaviours recommended by the UK government to prevent the transmission of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus that causes COVID‐19. Design A two‐wave online survey conducted one week apart during the national lockdown (April, 2020). Measures A sample of 477 UK residents completed baseline measures from the reasoned action approach (experiential attitudes, instrumental attitudes, injunctive norms, descriptive norms, capacity, autonomy, and intention) and perceived susceptibility for each of the following recommended behaviours: limiting leaving home, keeping at least 2 m away from other people when outside and when inside shops, not visiting or meeting friends or other family members, and washing hands when returning home. Self‐reported compliance with each of the recommended behaviours was assessed one week later. Results Rates of full compliance with the recommended behaviours ranged from 31% (keeping at least 2 m away from other people when inside shops) to 68% (not visiting or meeting friends or other family members). Capacity was a significant predictor of compliance with each of the five recommended behaviours. Increasing age and intentions were also predictive of compliance with three of the behaviours. Conclusions Interventions to increase compliance with the recommended behaviours to prevent the transmission of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, especially those relating to social distancing, need to bolster people’s intentions and perceptions of capacity. This may be achieved through media‐based information campaigns as well as environmental changes to make compliance with such measures easier. Such interventions should particularly target younger adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Norman
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Mark Conner
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, UK
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Ding Y, Xu J, Huang S, Li P, Lu C, Xie S. Risk Perception and Depression in Public Health Crises: Evidence from the COVID-19 Crisis in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17165728. [PMID: 32784792 PMCID: PMC7460398 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background: Scant attention has been paid to how risk perceptions of public health crises may affect people’s mental health. Aims: The aims of this study are to (1) construct a conceptual framework for risk perception and depression of people in public health crises, (2) examine how the mental health of people in the crisis of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is affected by risk perception and its associated factors, including distance perception of the crisis and support of prevention and control policies, and (3) propose policy recommendations on how to deal with psychological problems in the current COVID-19 crisis. Methods: Online questionnaire survey was implemented. A total of 6373 people visited the questionnaire online, 1115 people completed the questionnaire, and the number of valid questionnaires was 1081. Structural equation modeling was employed for data analysis. Results: Risk perception and its associated factors significantly affect the mental health of people in public health crises. Specifically, (1) distance perception of public health crises is negatively associated with depression among people, (2) affective risk perception is positively associated with depression of people in public health crises, (3) cognitive risk perception is negatively associated with depression of people in public health crises, and (4) support of prevention and control policies is negatively associated with depression of people in public health crises. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that risk perception plays an important role in affecting the mental health of people in a public health crisis. Therefore, health policies aiming to improve the psychological wellbeing of the people in a public health crisis should take risk perception into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubin Ding
- Undergraduate College, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China;
| | - Junling Xu
- College of Public Administration, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China; (J.X.); (S.H.); (P.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Sisi Huang
- College of Public Administration, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China; (J.X.); (S.H.); (P.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Peipei Li
- College of Public Administration, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China; (J.X.); (S.H.); (P.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Cuizhen Lu
- College of Public Administration, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China; (J.X.); (S.H.); (P.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Shenghua Xie
- College of Public Administration, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China; (J.X.); (S.H.); (P.L.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Is Lockdown Bad for Social Anxiety in COVID-19 Regions?: A National Study in The SOR Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17124561. [PMID: 32599911 PMCID: PMC7344490 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Lockdown measures have been widely used to control and prevent virus transmission in pandemic regions. However, the psychological effects of lockdown measures have been neglected, and the related theoretical research lags behind the practice. The present study aimed to better understand the mechanism of social anxiety in pandemic regions where the lockdown measures were imposed, based on the conceptual framework of the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR). For that, this research investigated how lockdown measures and psychological distance influenced social anxiety in the pandemic region. The Chinese national data was analyzed for the outcome. The results showed that (1) psychological distance mediated the relationship between pandemic COVID-19 severity and social anxiety, (2) lockdown measures buffered the detrimental effect of the COVID-19 pandemic severity on social anxiety, (3) lockdown measures moderated the mediation effect of psychological distancing on social anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, under the SOR framework, the lockdown measures had a buffer effect on social anxiety in pandemic regions, with the mediating role of psychological distancing.
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Finset A, Bosworth H, Butow P, Gulbrandsen P, Hulsman RL, Pieterse AH, Street R, Tschoetschel R, van Weert J. Effective health communication - a key factor in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2020; 103:873-876. [PMID: 32336348 PMCID: PMC7180027 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hayden Bosworth
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Departments of Population Health Sciences and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Phyllis Butow
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Pål Gulbrandsen
- Health Services ResearchUnit HØKH, Akershus University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Robert L Hulsman
- Dept. Medical Psychology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arwen H Pieterse
- Dept. of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Richard Street
- Department of Communication, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Robin Tschoetschel
- Amsterdam School of Communication Research / ASCoR, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Julia van Weert
- Amsterdam School of Communication Research / ASCoR, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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